We buried Marshall Sprack last Saturday, and we will miss him. Ol’ Marsh was the cheerful old-timer who could be seen each day walking his two tiny dogs around the neighborhood. He always had a smile and wave for everyone.
He was a very private guy, however. We all knew him, but didn’t really know him, if you get my drift.
He’d been retired for more years than some young married folks here had been alive. And he wasn’t the kind of guy who needed to come down to the Mule Barn coffee shop and settle the world’s troubles like the rest of us do. He stayed home and he walked the dogs.
We didn’t really know Marshall Sprack until Saturday, really. On Saturday, as we gathered to say goodbye to him, the military honor guard showed up. He was buried in his dress uniform from a war most of us can’t remember. His medals were on display next to the casket. The honor guard carried his flag-draped coffin to the grave-site, and other honor guards fired a three-volley salute to Marsh. Then the flag was folded carefully into a tight triangle and presented to Marshall’s daughter.
Well, we started out on Saturday thinking we were burying our old pal Marsh, the morning dog walker. But by the time that bugler played “Taps,” we realized that we didn’t bury him at all. His country showed up to bury him and say goodbye.
Marsh … thank you.
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3 comments:
Beautiful. We should remember our veterans EVERY day,and their sacrifices should never be forgotten or taken for granted. Thanks so much for sharing this.
I agree, Susan, seconding LD's "Amen." We get so caught up in our daily lives, we too often forget the sacrifices so many have made. I am trying to be more mindful, especially after reading Slim's post. He does have a way with a message. (smile)
Well, jimminee, this almost made me cry.
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